Company description

Wildheart is a faith-based organization located in the heart of Harrisburg's inner city community, Allison Hill. Since its inception in 2017, we have been committed to building bridges within and to the community to bring about the hope and transformation desired by its residents through beautification efforts, urban farming and affordable housing development. We are very much a grassroots organization that thrives on being in the trenches with our neighbors and being able to demonstrably love and empower those struggling with poverty within our City.

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY: The Farm Manager position is at the heart of our farm work as they implement the annual crop plan, creating a productive and abundant environment for Wildheart’s mission. The Farm Manager focuses on all aspects of production management including soil fertility, bed preparation, seeding, planting, post harvesting handling and pack out, record keeping, and customer interactions. The farm manager will both work independently and supervise crews of youth workers and community members. The right candidate for this position is passionate about sustainable agriculture and interested in growing in this field. Beyond a passion for farming, this person should have a sense of humor and positive attitude, like to hustle and build efficiency, and enjoy working alongside diverse co-workers and youth. This person is excited to grow within a mission driven organization and small staff team.

SCHEDULE:

Full-time Salaried Position, average of 5 days per week for basic farm management. Schedule subjected to farm programming and inclement weather; some weekend and evening time required (one Saturday (9a-1p) a month and one evening community prayer session a month). Can expect to work a minimum of 40 hrs/week with potential need for more during high growing season, special events, etc. Schedule may be adjusted seasonally to accommodate position’s needs.

PRIMARY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Whole Farm Management: Coordinate the management of Wildheart’s Farm (2 acre lot, 1 acre in cultivation, 1 Greenhouse, educational plot and 1 heated propagation house) that distributes produce weekly through our farm share program, wholesale/restaurant partnerships and donations to our community.
• Annual Farm Goal Setting & Growth: work alongside Managing Director to develop annual farm goals, seek growth opportunities, and drive profitability for the farm
• Crop Planning: Design annual crop plan with support from Executive Director
• Implement Annual Crop Plan: Plant propagation, bed preparation, seeding, cultivation, harvest, post harvest handling, etc.
• Team Leadership: maintain and communicate weekly priorities and task list, supervise youth crews during program sessions
• Soil Health Management: Oversee soil health in the form of developing a cover crop plan, working with soil experts to design fertility plan
• Plant Health Management: Oversee plant health through integrated pest management, proactive plant health practices, and minimal tillage
• Tools & Infrastructure Management: Utilize, maintain, and repair tools and infrastructure including a two-wheel tractor (BCS), greenhouse/high tunnel, drip irrigation, trellis installation, etc
• Farm Administration (Oversee farm record keeping, customer management, invoicing, and communications with chef & farm partners & farm share hosts)
• Farm Education: Lead in mentoring youth in farm skill competencies and knowledge, Develop and implement educational programs for educating and hosting field trips and an after school program for both the local school district and inviting outside public and private schools to join.
• Partner Farm produce/product acquisition and distribution - Farm share deliveries/pickups, partner farm add-ons/produce pickup, acquiring necessary Farm supplies, amending market cash box at bank, produce donations, general Wildheart errands Staff Engagement & Special Events: Work alongside a small, hardworking team staff who are committed to Wildheart’s mission and their own growth, building and maintaining a positive and equitable culture
• Participate in weekly staff meetings and monthly feedback process
• Work with the Wildheart team to staff special events (occasional evenings, weekends, etc)
• Support team in “all hands on deck” events like Fundraisers, volunteer days etc.

YOU ARE:

• Professionally committed to growing in the field of sustainable agriculture and vegetable production
• Skilled manager able to prioritize competing tasks and communicate effectively
• Detail-focused while maintaining a big picture perspective
• Able to give and receive thoughtful feedback
• Engaged in your own personal growth
• Entrepreneurial-minded and independently motivated to set timelines and achieve goals
• Able to learn quickly and adapt to changing systems
• Interested in both collaborating with others and working independently
• Ready to work alongside a small, hard-working team at a mission-driven organization on the front lines of youth development, social justice, and innovative food system work

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 3+ years experience on a sustainable vegetable production farm
• Experience in production management (Crop planning, budget management, etc)
• Capacity to work alongside youth in a management capacity plus relevant youth protection clearances
• Able to work outside in all weather conditions (heat, rain, cold), lift up to 50 lbs. safely, and navigate uneven terrain
• Able to operate and maintain small farm equipment including two-wheel tractor + implements, hand tools, etc
• Ability to craft, manage, and maintain farm records, invoices, etc
• Valid driver's license required to fulfill job duties

Compensation

this position is: salaried, $50,000 - $75,000

Application instructions

Deadline

March 28, 2025